Post-Doctoral Research and Educational Research Support Opportunities

Post-Doctoral Research and Educational Research Support Opportunities

Multiphase Flow Science Team

National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL)

Multiple Post-Doctoral Research Positions and Educational Research support positions are available with the Multiphase Flow Science Team in the NETL in-house research program. These opportunities will be available through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) program (orise.orau.gov) at the NETL Morgantown, WV location.

The following areas of interest and expertise are solicited at the Post-Doctoral level:

PD1: CFD modeling

Development, verification, validation and application of Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) models in the area of chemically reacting, multiphase flows using primarily the NETL MFiX code. The primary area of development and application is in energy conversion processes including coal and biomass gasification, chemical looping combustion and gasification of gaseous and solid fuels, solids classification, and carbon capture using solid sorbents or solvents. Experience with high performance computing platforms and CFD software packages such as the NETL MFiX Suite, ANSYS FLUENT, CPFD-Barracuda, or OpenFOAM is required. A Ph.D. degree in mechanical or chemical engineering or a closely related discipline is required. Contact: Dr. William A. Rogers.

PD2: Experimental measurement

Development and application of novel measurement and control techniques for multiphase flow systems, including granular and liquid slurry flows. The position will involve experimental measurement of the flow field and agglomeration phenomenon in small scale fluidized beds. The ability to extract data from multiple experimental techniques is highly desired. These techniques might include Particle Image Velocimetry, Laser Doppler Velocimetry, sensor probes and high speed pressure transducers. The data collected from these measurements will be used for development and validation of CFD models (e.g. MFiX, FLUENT) with emphasis on agglomeration model validation. The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with CFD modelers. Hence, prior experience of measurements in dense particulate flows and the ability to extract model specific information will be highly valued. Prior experience in statistical analysis of large quantities of data and physical interpretation of measured parameters is also desired. A Ph.D. degree in mechanical or chemical engineering or a closely related discipline is required. Contact: Dr. William A. Rogers.

PD3: Optimization and Advanced Analysis

The MFS team has formed a new program centered around multiphase device scale optimization and analysis through CFD using the in house MFiX suite of codes. The optimization and advanced analysis toolset is being implemented as part of the MFiX GUI and has the capability to control key simulation parameters, interact with live simulations, and post process existing data through a simple and intuitive user interface and can be run on high performance computational platforms. This technology is being used to optimize existing technology and develop new concepts in energy and conversion technology. NETL is looking for applications and development engineers and scientists to help develop the software and apply it to new concepts. Experience with high performance computing platforms and CFD software packages such as the NETL MFiX Suite (most preferred), ANSYS FLUENT, CPFD-Barracuda, or OpenFOAM is required. A Ph.D. degree in mechanical or chemical engineering or a closely related discipline is required. Working knowledge of Fortran, Python, and QT is strongly preferred. Contact: Dr. Dirk Van Essendelft.

PD4: Reduced Order Modeling

The MFS team has begun to develop advanced reactor-network based modeling through a novel technique that allows for computer and machine learning techniques to capture and represent high fidelity CFD simulations at a variety of operating conditions via a flexible reactor network modeling technique. NETL is looking for experienced CFD engineers and scientist to help develop this technology. Experience with reactor network modeling, CFD analysis, or computer learning is strongly preferred. A Ph.D. degree in mechanical or chemical engineering or a closely related discipline is required. Working knowledge of Fortran and Python, is strongly preferred. Contact: Dr. Dirk Van Essendelft.

PD5: MFiX-Exa development

The Multiphase Flow Sciences (MFS) Team at National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) invites outstanding candidates to apply for a postdoctoral position to develop and implement algorithms for computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method (CFD-DEM) on exascale, high performance computers. This opening is available immediately, but there is flexibility in start dates.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD degree in computer science, mathematics, or engineering and have experience in CFD, DEM, and/or molecular dynamics (MD) code development. Exceptional postmasters candidates will also be considered for this position. Programming expertise in C++, Fortran, C, or another programming language is required. Experience with parallel computing, including MPI and OpenMP is required. Familiarity with MFiX (www.mfix.netl.doe.gov) and multi-phase flow is not required.

The specific tasks include: code profiling, algorithm development and implementation, writing reports/papers and making presentations to report the results of the research. The development team is geographically disperse making excellent communication skills a must.

NETL, part of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory system, is owned and operated by the DOE. NETL supports the DOE mission to advance the energy security of the United States. NETL implements a broad spectrum of energy and environmental research and development programs that will return benefits for generations to come. The MFS Team at NETL is a leader in the design of numerical modeling of gas-solids flows and simulations of devices of interest to DOE. The job location is at Morgantown, West Virginia (http://www.morgantownwv.gov/) research campus of NETL. Contact: Dr. Jordan Musser.

The Ph.D. must have been completed and granted by the university before starting the appointment. Applicants cannot have received the most recent degree more than five years prior to the date of application. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or approved Foreign Nationals.

The following areas of interest and expertise are solicited at the undergraduate and graduate levels:

UG1/G1: CFD code Development

Acceleration and Development of computational fluid dynamics computer codes. The MFS team is expanding its expertise in scientific code acceleration. Responsibilities would include performance testing, scaling analysis, algorithm development, code refactoring, etc. There is opportunity to help in guiding and planning of future development activities. An undergraduate or graduate degree in Engineering, Computer Science or related field is required. Experience in C, FORTRAN, and programming techniques for Intel MIC architectures is desired. Contact: Dr. William A. Rogers.

UG2/G2: GUI Development

Development, enhancement, optimization and verification of a graphical user interface (GUI) for interaction and control of computational fluid dynamics software. An undergraduate or graduate degree in Engineering, Computer Science or related field is required. The GUI will guide users in setting up simulations as well as controlling and guiding large multi-core simulations. Additionally, GUI usage will target workflow management, design optimization, and in situ statistical analysis of simulation results. An undergraduate or graduate degree in Engineering, Computer Science or related field with experience in Python development (including leading scientific packages like Numpy, Scipy, and Sympy) is required. Experience with the Qt library and FORTRAN is desirable. Contact: Dr. William A. Rogers.

Opportunities exist for excellent performers to advance to full-time employment with the federal government, NETL contractors, and NETL University collaborators. These full-time employment opportunities will depend on job openings, citizenship status, and are filled by competitive employment solicitations.

Please communicate your interest in applying BY EMAIL only, along with a CV or resume to: